Bhubaneswar: The 20th Bhabhya Toshali Swadeshi Mela witnessed a spectacular Handloom Fashion Show that beautifully celebrated Odisha’s rich textile heritage in a contemporary and vibrant format. Organized under the aegis of the Odisha Handloom, Textile and Handicrafts Department, the fashion show emerged as one of the major highlights of this year’s mela.
The grand sequence paid tribute to nationally acclaimed award-winning weavers including Shri Bhakta Raj Meher, Shri R. K. Meher, Shri Bhikari Meher, Shri Hari Sankar Meher, Shri Uttam Meher, and Shri Arindra Meher, whose craftsmanship continues to uphold the legacy of Odisha’s weaving excellence.
The runway came alive with iconic weaves such as Kotpad and Ikat, along with contemporary fusion styles and innovative handloom garments that reflected both tradition and modern appeal. From classic sarees to stylish silhouettes crafted from indigenous fabrics, each presentation highlighted the versatility and timeless charm of Odisha handloom.
The show featured creative collections by designers and contributors including Reemly, NIF, Sinjini, Layatmika, Priya Mohapatra, Artisian, Binay Munda and Weaver, whose artistic interpretations brought fresh perspective to traditional textiles. Their work demonstrated how Odisha’s handloom heritage can seamlessly adapt to global fashion trends while preserving its authentic identity.
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause as the fashion show transformed the evening into a grand celebration of artistry, culture and innovation. The Handloom Fashion Show not only added glamour to the 20th Bhabhya Toshali Swadeshi Mela but also reaffirmed the State’s commitment to empowering weavers and promoting swadeshi craftsmanship on prominent platforms.
